From as far back as he can remember, Jett Lockie and his family have been around rodeo, and all these years later, the boy that watched his dad ride bulls is now the man that dominates the beast.
"My dad rode bulls, and both my sisters barrel race, so I've been around rodeo ever since I was really little," Lockie says with a smile. "It's a lot of fun, it's pretty much a big family every where you go. Everyone wants to help, it's not any other sport, everyone is trying to help each other."
It didn't take long of being around the rodeo scene for Lockie to know he wanted to be a part of it. "Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be in the rodeo, whether it was saddle bronc or riding bulls. Now, I ride bulls."
"My dad did it, and he pretty much trained me ever since I was little," explains Lockie. "I've just always wanted to do it. I started riding cows when I was 11, and just last year, I started riding bulls."
Looking back over the last year as a bull ride, Lockie says it's been a lot of fun. "It's a different than cows," he says with a chuckle. "Little stronger, little bigger, but pretty much the same."
As far as what goes through his mind, Lockie says it's about routine and focus. "I'm trying to keep calm, know my job, know what I'm supposed to do. I want to make sure I give a good nod and hustle for that front end. Don't quit."
Lockie says that it's a unique thing time wise, where it can feel like forever and microseconds, all at the same time. "It happens quick, but really long at the same time. You don't have any time to react, it all has to be muscle memory. It does feel like a long time."
Learning from other riders, Lockie says he's picked up tips and tricks. "It all helps. Everyone has their own style when it comes to riding a bull. You develop your own style."
In August, Bulls on the Border will be back in Waskada, which is Lockie's home town, meaning he's getting the opportunity to do what he loves close to home. "It's really cool, I've never been that close to home. The closest I've ever been is Brandon, but with all my family being there, it'll add more pressure, but it's going to be a lot of fun."
Having the opportunities for local families to see rodeo up close is something Lockie is very excited for. "Means a lot, without the support I've had, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Lockie is planning to stay busy, including this weekend. "I'm in Austin and Brandon, this weekend. The following weekend, I'm in the Canadian High School finals in Brandon."
His future being bright, Lockie has no plans to slow down. "I'll be doing this until I can't," he says with a smile.
Even though he's in a rodeo family, Lockie chuckles when talking about them watching him ride bulls. "Mom gets nervous, but dad is always right there beside me helping me on. He might be a little nervous, too, but he'll never show it."
For Jett Lockie, bull riding is a way of life, and as he continues in the sport, he'll keep making a name for himself while making his community proud.